Coin grouping method and apparatus



May 30, 1967 G. H. WARFE L COIN GROUPING METHOD AND APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet l 7 Filed Nov. 26, 1965 mwsmom GEORGE H WAR/ EL May 30, 1967 G. H. WARFEL 3,322,131

COIN GROUPING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed Nov. 26, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 88 FIG.. 2

64 INVENTOR- GEO/PGE H. WARFEL A T TO/PNEVS May 30, 1967 Filed Nov. 26, 1965 G. H. WARFEL COIN GROUPING METHOD AND APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 4 INVENTOR.

GEORGE hf WA/PFEL A TTORNEVS May 30, 1967 INVENTOR. v GEO/P65 H. WA/PFEL 30, 1967 G. H. WARFEL, 3,322,131

Filed Nov. 26, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. GEORGE H. WARFEL United States Patent 3,322,131 COIN GROUPING METHOD AND APPARATUS George H. Warfel, Menlo Park, Califi, assignor to Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, San Francisco, Calif.

Filed Nov. 26, 1965, Ser. No. 509,696 14 Claims. (Cl. 133-1) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatus and method of grouping a number of coins into a compact body for packaging. Coins are initially supported in an axially extending row of a plurality of separate groups of coins, coins in each group and the groups of coins are axially urged together and the groups are combined into a single group of coins.

This invention relates generally to coin packaging and more particularly to a method and apparatus by which coins received in loosely arranged rows are formed into compact cylindrical bodies in preparation for subsequent wrapping, which apparatus may form a component part of a coin packaging machine.

It is common practice to package coins in standard quantities, which quantities depend upon coin denomination. For such purpose, packaging machines may be utilized which take coins of a particular denomination arranged at random, group predetermined numbers of the coins together to form a coin body and finally wrap such body to form the coin package. In one form of such machine coins of a single denomination are initially deposited into a hopper or other storage enclosure and thereafter continuously distributed into a plurality of coin channels which receive the coins in a generally upright position for rolling along a path of advance with each channel being of a width to accommodate a single coin. The channels are regularly spaced transversely of the direction of advance of the coins in a generally fan-shaped array which narrows to form a forward coin delivery end. The coin grouping apparatus of the present invention is usable as a unit independently of such packaging machine or to provide suitable structure for forming the forward delivery end of the coin channels and additional associated structure providing means for receiving the coins from the coin channels and grouping them into compact coin bodies.

It is highly desirable in coin packaging machinery handling great quantities of coins that the packaging operations be reliably effected at a high rate of speed with low incidence of jamming by improper positioning of coins. Most suitably the components should be easily accessible and readily serviceable.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and improved apparatus for grouping rows of loosely arranged coins into compact coin bodies continuously at a high rate of speed and in which jamming by improperly positioned coins is substantially eliminated.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus for grouping rows of loosely ararnged coins into compact coin bodies in which parts most subject to wearing are easily accessible and removable for servicing and repair.

A problem encountered with coin packaging machines of the type herein dealt with has been that of providing components, including coin grouping apparatus, which are capable of handling coins of several different denominations. Heretofore, a change in coin denomination has necessitated substitution of parts in the grouping and packaging apparatus.

3,322,131 Patented May 30, 1967 It is therefore an additional object of this invention to provide apparatus for grouping pluralities of coins into compact bodies which apparatus is capable of handling a wide range of denominations of coin without substitution of parts and with minimal adjustment.

This invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of preferred forms of the invention which are illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification. It is to be understood, however, that variations in the showing made by said drawings and description may be adopted within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of coin grouping apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the coin grouping apparatus of FIG. 1 on a scale enlarged relative thereto.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the coin grouping apparatus substantially as seen from line 44 of FIG. 2, with structure omitted for purposes of clarity.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the apparatus showing the positions of the coin carrying platform and a coin thereon at several points during the cycle of operation of the coin grouping apparatus.

FIG. 5a is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the coin releasing structure as it appears when the platform is in its uppermost position.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the delivery end of the coin conveying channels and associated coin releasing structure.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing a roller assembly as seen from line 77 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a portion of a row of coins on the platform in the uppermost position as seen from line 8-8 of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 8a is a front elevational view of a row of coins on the platform in a first partially lowered position as seen from line 8a8a of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the row of coins on the platform in a second partially lowered position, as seen from line 99 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the row of coins on the platform in a third partially lowered position, as seen from line 10-10 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the row of coins on the platform in a fourth partially lowered position, as seen from line 1111-1 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the row of coins on the platform in the fully lowered position substantially as seen from line 1212 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified form of coin grouping apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the delivery end of the coin conveying channels and associated coin releasing structure included in the apparatus of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary front view of a group of coins on the platform illustrating the disposition of the coins as assumed in calculating the maximum permissible spacing between the lateral guide members. 7

In detail, the present coin grouping apparatus (FIGS. 1, 2) comprises a stationary, generally upright frame 1 having a pair of spaced parallel lateral frame members 2 at each side formed of steel or other structural material.

The coin infeed end of the grouping apparatus is at the upper end of frame 1, whereat a plurality of downwardly sloping coin conveying tracks or channels 3 (FIG.

1) terminate at delivery ends 4 which are interposed between members 2 of frame 1. A gate assembly 5, also at the upper end of frame 1, includes a bail or barrier arm 6 positionable across ends 4 of channels 3 for selectively releasing coins from channels 3.

A carriage or shuttle 7 is mounted on frame members 2 for reciprocating movement therealong to and from the upper end of frame 1 on roller assemblies 8 (FIGS. 3, 7). Formed at the upper edge of shuttle 7 for movement therewith is a generally horizontal platform 11 (FIG. 1) which receives the coins in rows successively discharged from channels 3 and supports them until they are deposited onto a coin transfer mechanism (not shown) by which the coins are maintained as a coin body and moved into position for further packaging operations.

To provide means for forming the rows of coins into compact coin bodies a coin converging or compacting assembly 13 is mounted adjacent the path of travel of platform 11 and convergently guides the coins in the rows as they are carried downwardly on the platform. Reciprocating motion is imparted to shuttle 7 by a motor of conventional construction, through an appropriate drive linkage 15.

The coins to be grouped by the apparatus of this invention may be distributed into coin channels 3 from an orienting conveyor or hopper (not shown). The coins are received in channels 3 (FIGS. 1, 6) on edge and in single file for rolling toward the delivery ends 4 of said channels. From the point of receipt of the coins, channels 3 converge toward each other in the direction of delivery ends 4, at which ends the channels extend in generally parallel side-by-side relation.

Channels 3 are constructed of vertically oriented flat metal strips 16 (FIG. 1) 'each pair of which are in substantially parallel relation spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive therebetween the thickest coins to be handled. The herein described forms of coin grouping apparatus are adapted to accommodate coins of the penny, nickel, dime and quarter denomination. Of these, the nickel has the greatest thickness.

Strips 16 slope slightly downwardly forwardly (in the direction of coin mvement)-to provide an inclined path of advance for the rolling coins of approximately 20 degrees from the horizontal. The number of pairs of strips 16 is selected to provide channels 3' at least as great in number as the greatest number of coins in a standard roll of the four denominations handled.

To provide a bottom wall for channels 3 a flat base member 17 is suitably supported to extend across the bottom edges of the several strips, 16. Base member 17 is not entirely coextensive with strips 16 and instead terminates slightly short 'of the forward ends 18 thereof (FIG. 6) which provide channel delivery ends 4, as will be more fully described. Each end 4 is formed convergently to define a tapered, rounded nose portion. Channels 3 are divided into similar transversely spaced groups by intervening open or inactive tracks 21 (FIG. 6) within which no coins can be conveyed. To render tracks 21 unsuitable for conveying coins, means are provided for positively blocking entrance of the coins into the tracks, or base member 17 may be cut away so that the coins drop from between the strips 16 which define the tracks. Since the number of coins in a standard coin roll'differs with denomination additional channels may be similarly rendered inoperative when appropriate so that the total number of active channels equals the number of coins in the roll of the particular denomination then being packaged.

Positioned at ends 4 of channels 3 is stationary frame 1 (FIGS. 1, 2) including a pair of generally upright frame members 2 respectively disposed at each lateral side of channels 3 and inclined rearwardly from top to bottom with respect to the direction of advance of coins in channels 3. Each frame member 2 is formed of a structural angle respectively having an outer forwardly projecting flange 22 (FIG. 2) and a transversely inwardly projecting flange 23. The upper end portions 24 of members 2 lie 7 from portions 24 along each lateral side of channels 3 and include inwardly directed flanges 26 on a level with channel base member 17 providing stationary support for channels 3 at the lateral edges thereof. Angle members 25 include depending flanges 27 on which are pivotally mounted gate assembly 5 for retaining and selectively releasing coins from channels 3.

On each flange 27, a similar distance rearwardly of the point of intersection of members 25 with members 2, in welded a bracket 28 (FIGS. 1, 3) including an apertured vertical tab 32. A pair of side arms 34, 35 are swingably connected to tabs 32 and extend to a point even with ends 4 of channel 3.-

Transverse barrier arm 6 extends between the forward ends of side arms 34, 35 across delivery ends 4 of channels 3. Positioning of barrier arm 6 across ends 4 may be varied and downward pivotal movement of arms 34, 35 may be adjustably limited by means (FIG. 3) including a transversely outwardly extending stop lug 38 formed at the bottom edge of depending flange 27 of member 25 intermediate bracket 28 and the point of intersection of angle member 25 with upright lateral member 2. An associated lug 41 is formed in similar fashion on side arm 34 to generally overlie stop lug 38. Lug 41 is apertured to receive adjusting screw 42 the end of which is adapted to bear against stop lug 38 to effectively prevent downward movement of arms 34, 35. The extent of downward movement may be varied by turning screw 42. Normally the downward movement of arms 34, 35 is limited such that arm 6 is displaced very slightly from the upper edge of nose portion 18.

When barrier arm 6 is positioned across delivery ends 4 of channels 3 the coins, which are urged downwardly in their respective channels by the force of gravity, are arranged behind arm 6 in files wherein the coins are in edge to edge contact, The first coin in each file is retained by arm 6, and each succeeding coin is retained by the coin immediately preceding. The first coins in theseveral files thus are arranged in a transversely aligned row in which the coins are in side-by-side and slightly spaced relation. Similar succeeding rows are provided by the remaining coins. As will be seen, the general arrangement of the coins inwardly of flanges 22, 27 sufliciently to provide clearance for roller assemblies 8. A pair of support legs 44 depend from flanges 27 at a point rearward of mounting brackets 28. a

To mount shuttle 7 for reciprocating movement along lateral members 2, a rectangular shuttle plate 45 is disposed across the front edge of flanges 22 of members 2 and has aflixed to each corner thereof a roller assembly 8 (FIGS. 3, 7). Each assembly 8 includes a similar bracket 46 bolted to the rear face of plate 45 which bracket has a rearwardly directed elongated body portion 47 terminating at the rear end in boss 48 through which is journalled transversely extending shaft 51 which rotatably mounts a roller,

52 for rolling engagement with the rear face of flange 23 on members 2. Projecting downwardly from body portion 47 intermediate the ends thereof are a pair of elongated spaced parallel mounting lugs 53, having aligned apertures at the lower ends thereof for receiving shaft 54, perpendicular to shaft 51, on which is rotatably mounted roller 55 retained between lugs 53 and in rolling engagement with the outer face of flange 22 on lateral members 2. Thus, as rollers 52, 55 roll along members 2, assemblies 8 and shuttle 7 move along said members therewith.

To impart reciprocating motion to shuttle 7 a conventional drive motor (not shown) is connected with transversely extending shaft 56 (FIG. 2) through endless sprocket chain 57 engaged around sprocket Wheel 58 secured thereon. Shaft 56 is rotatably supported proximate each end in journal blocks 61 respectively secured to the front facing surface of legs 44, and includes end portions 62 each of which projects transversely outwardly of a leg 44 and is secured within an apertured end 63 of arm 64 which t-hereby rotates with shaft 56. The opposite end 65 of each arm 64 rotatably receives a stub shaft 66 which is also rotatably received through an apertured end of an arm 67. The remote end 68 of each of arm 67 is apertured to rotatably receive a stub shaft 69 which is also rotatably received through an aperture formed in a lug 72 projecting forwardly from each lower corner of shuttle plate 45. Upon rotation of shaft 56 reciprocating motion is imparted to plate 45 so that the upper edge 73 of plate 45 oscillates along members 2 between points respectively adjacent upper edge portion 24 of members 2 and generally mediate the ends thereof. By applying equal driving forces at each lateral side of shuttle plate 45, a balanced force relationship results which produces optimum rolling engagement of rollers 52, 55 with members 2 and substantially precludes lateral shifting of plate 45.

Secured to upper edge 73 of plate 45 is transversely elongated, forwardly projecting, horizontal platform 11 (FIGS. 1, 2). When plate upper edge 73 is at the uppermost point of travel, platform 11 is on a level with the base member 17 of channels 3 at the ends 4 and in position to receive coins from channels 3 released by displacement of barrier arm 6.

A rectangular plate 74, preferably formed of a transparent plastic material, is vertically adjustably mounted on members 2 and positioned sufliciently forwardly thereof to afford clearance for platform 11 while at the same time providing a forward retaining surface for coins supported on the platform. Upper mounting lugs 75 (FIGS. 1, 2 ,3) project transversely outwardly of members 2 and are apertured at their outer ends. Lower lugs 76 have a rearwardly offset portion 77 (FIG. 3) and an outer apertured portion 78 which together provide clearance for roller assemblies 8. Plate 74 is bolted to lugs 75, 76 by bolts 81 received through vertical slots formed generally at the corners of the plate, which bolts carry nuts 83 which may be tightened against the rear surface of plate 74. Bolts 81 pass through the apertures on lugs 75, 76 to be fastened to the lugs by nuts 84. Vertical adjustment of plate 74 is effected by backing off nuts 83 from plate 74 and displacing the plate relative to bolts 81 which slide within slots 82. Such adjustment permits removal of the rows of coins from platform 11 at diiferent points along their path of travel. While plate 74 has been described as being transparent, which is desirable to permit viewing of the working parts of the apparatus, it will be appreciated that an opaque plate may be as suitably utilized to provide the coin retaining surface.

Means are provided for convergently grouping coins in the rows carried on platform 11 into compact coin bodies (FIGS. 1, 2). More particularly, when a row of coins is delivered from channels 3 onto platform 11, a plurality of regularly spaced vertically oriented guide members 85 (FIG. 1), which are then resting on platform 11, divide the coins of the row into a number of groups. As the coins on the platform move downwardly, guide members 85 move with them and simultaneously converge toward each other to compact the coins retained therebetween. During the course of downward travel of the coins, all of the converging guide members 85 are rendered motionless except those at each end of the coin row so that at the end of such downward travel the row of coins is retained by only a pair of such members at its lateral ends and is in a compacted state.

The coin converging means includes an upstanding frame 86 (FIGS. 13) formed to project upwardly from angle members 25 with leg portions 87 respectively connected to each angle member 25, a slight distance rearwardly of the intersection of members 25 with lateral members 2, and connected to each other by an upper cross portion 88. Depending from the bottom edge 91 of plate 45 centrally thereof, is a frame 92 (FIGS. 1, 2) having side portions 93, and a bottom cross portion 94.

A flat plate 95 extends between members 2 with its upper edge a slight distance below the upper end portion 24, and is secured to the forward face of flanges 23. Secured to the front face of plate 95 in symmetrical fashion are a plurality of vertically elongated blocks 96 (FIGS. 1, 2) which are tapered slightly from their upper to their lower ends. Blocks 96 are complementarily shaped to form a generally fan-shaped assemblage and have their opposite edges slightly spaced to form intervening thin grooves 97 of uniform width which converge downwardly toward lach other. The upper ends of the two outermost grooves 97 are vertically aligned with the side edges of the group of channels 3, and the upper ends of the intervening grooves are each vertically aligned with one of the inactive tracks 21. In the apparatus of FIGS. 1-12, channels 3 are fifty-six in number and are divided into eight transversely spaced groups of seven channels each by the seven intervening tracks 21. In this form of apparatus, there are provided along cross portion 88 of upstanding frame 86 a transversely aligned plurality of L- shaped brackets 98 (FIGS. 1-3) equal in number to grooves 97, and each includes a forwardly projecting leg 101 (FIG. 2) having a longitudinally extending slot 102 aligned with the upper end of a groove 97. Brackets 98 are mounted for vertical adjustment by means of bolts 99 passed through slots 100.

A thin flexible sheet metal strip 103 (FIG. 2) is received through slot 102 in each bracket 98 so that an upper end 104 extends above leg 101. Strips 103 are in alignment with the side edges of the group of channels 3 and the inactive tracks 21 and from end 104 extend downwardly past said side edges and through tracks 21 proximate the forward edge 18 of channel strips 16. At such tracks base member 17 is cut back as at 109 (FIG. 6) to permit passage of strips 103. From there strips 103 extend downwardly and are received in edgewise fashion in grooves 97 with the rear edge 105 (FIG. 4) of strips 103 abutting plate 95 and the front edge 106 of the strips disposed slightly inwardly of the forward surface 107 of blocks 96.

At a point along front edge 106 of strips 103, a generally rectangular, fin-like projection is formed to provide the guide member 85 which extends forwardly of :blocks 96 for affording a lateral retaining surface for coins carried on platform 11.

Strips 103 continue in parallel relation below blocks 96 to lower ends 108 (FIG. 2) on each of which is secured an elongated mounting block 111, as by screws 112. Each mounting block 111 includes a flat bottom end 113 (FIGS. 2, 4) from which depends an eye 114 which receives a hook 115 formed at the upper end of a coil tension spring 116. Springs 116 extend downwardly and are formed at their lower ends with hooks 117 (FIG. 4) which are passed through eyes 118 secured on cross portion 94 of frame 92. Strips 103 are thereby yieldably and and removably mounted at the bottom end to frame 92.

Approximately midway along side portions 93 of frame 92 a cross member 121 is provided, having apertures 122 (FIG. 2) respectively receiving springs 116. While apertures 122 permit passage of springs 116, blocks 111 are too large to pass therethrough and instead abut at bottom ends \113 against cross member 121 when urged downwardly by the force of springs 116 unless otherwise restrained by means presently to be described.

Stop means are associated with each strip 103 to selectively limit downward movement of the strip with shuttle 7, and thus to maintain bottom edge 113 of blocks 111 spaced upwardly from cross member 121 against the urging of springs 116. For this purpose, a transversely extending stop lug 123 (FIGS. 1-4) is formed on each strip 103 to project laterally from each side thereof at the same point on the upper end 104 and above stationary leg 101. Upon downward movement of strip 103 through slot 102 to a preselected point, lug 123 abuts against the upper surface of leg 101, and further downward motion of the strip is positively prevented. Until lug 123 engages leg 101, bottom edge 113 of block 111 is held against cross member 121 by the force of spring 116. Upon engagement of lug 123 with leg 101 further a movement of frame 92 causes cross member 121 to be displaced downwardly from block 111, but spring 116 is sufficiently extendable to accommodate such displacement and maintain lug 123 against leg 101 with relatively slight pressure.

The specific disposition of guide members 85 along strips 103 relative to upper ends 104 thereof and stop lugs 123 is best seen in FIG. 2. It should be noted that guide members 85 are all spaced equally from the lower ends 108 of strips 103.

To facilitate illustration, strips 103 in FIG. 2 are respectively designated, from left to right, 103a, 103b, 1030, 103d, 103e, 103 103g, 103h, and 103i, and the associated guide members are designated 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d,

Referring first to guide members 85a, 851' on the two outtermost strips 103a, 1031, the spacing of these from ends 104 and lugs 123 is such that when shuttle 7 is at its lowermost point of travel and all the lugs 123 are engaged against legs 101, guide members 85a, 85i are positioned at the lower ends of blocks 96 With shuttle 7 in the same lowermost position, referring next to central strip 103e, guide member 85e thereon is slightly closer to upper end I104 (FIG. 2) with the bottom edge 124 of member 85c and the upper edge 125 of guide members 850, 851 generally transversely aligned. Guide members 850, 85g on intervening strips 103e, 103g are spaced from member 25e a similar distance closer to ends 104; and finally the remaining guide members 85b, 85d, 85 and 85h respectively on strips 103b, 103a, 103 and 103h are spaced from members 85c, 85g a similar distance closer to ends 104.

To illustrate the operation of this form of coin grouping apparatus, it will be assumed that initially shuttle -7 with platform 11 is at its lowest point of travel (full line position in FIG. 5) and that platform 11 is emptied of coins, which coins have !been displaced therefrom by a transfer mechanism (not shown). At the upper end of frame 1, coins -126 (FIG. 5) occupy chanels 3 in single files behind barrier arm 6 which is in its lowered position across discharge ends 4 and in engagement with the first coin 126' of each file at the upper forward edge thereof. At this point in the cycle strips 103 are retained against the force of springs 116 by lugs 123 engaging legs 101 to maintain guide members 84 in staggered relation (FIG. 2). From such lower position shuttle 7 with platform 11 is driven through drive linkage 15 upwardly, carrying with it strips 103, which move upwardly to free lugs 123 from engagement with legs 10 1 i.e., as shutle '7 versely aligned on said platform. When this occurs, the

bottom edges 113 of blocks 111 are in engagement with cross member 121 and this relationship is maintained as guide members 85 are pushed upwardly relative to blocks 96 by platform 11.

When platform 11 has reached its uppermost point of 8 travel (FIG. 5a), it is substantially on a level with base member 17 of chanenls 3. At this point the top edges 125 of guide members engage the bc'ittom surface of barrier arm 6 and displace it from the ends 4 of channels 3, and the row of coins comprising the first coins 126' in each file are released and roll by gravity onto platform 11. The forward ends or nose portion 18 of channel strips 16 extend beyond the end of base member 17 partially across platform 11 so that the first coins are retained therebetween and between guide members 85 (FIG 8). It should be noted that it is necessary to extend ends or. nose portions 18 sufiiciently across platform 11 so that the coins 126 will be retained therebetween in alignment with the remaining coins in their respective files. Succeeding coins '126 are thereby retained in their positions in channels 3 by coins 126'.

As platform 11 is lowered from its uppermost position carrying coins 126 with it (FIG. 5), succeeding coins 126 are permitted to roll forwardly toward discharge ends 4. At the same time, barrier arm 6 is lowered into its channel blocking position so as to prevent discharge of such succeeding coins from channels 3. It will be understood that the height of the upper edge of guide members 85 from platform 11 is such that arm 6 will be lowered into the lowered, blocking position as coins 126' are withdrawn from supporting the succeeding coins in channels 3 (dot-dash line 128 in FIG. 5).

In this form of grouping apparatus in which the plurality of channels 3 are divided by inactive tracks 21 into eight groups (FIGS. 1, 2) each including seven channels (FIG. 6), strips 103 with guide members 85 extend through tracks 21 at the channel ends 4 in a substantially normal direction (FIG. 6). Platform \11 (FIG. 5, dotdash line 128), together with guide members 85 resting thereon and forward plate 74 thus define eight coin carrying compartments 127 (FIG. 85a) of equal size within which axially extending rows of coins are held in loosely arranged fashion.

For purposes of illustration, it will be assumed that coins 126 are of the penny denomination so that a complete coin package will include fifty coins. Also by way of illustration in FIG. 8a the compartments 127, from left to right, are seen to contain seven, seven, six, three, six, seven, seven, and seven coins respectively. From this it should be noted that during operation of the apparatus, the various compartments 127 'may contain different quantit-ies of coins depending upon the distribution of coins in channels 3, which condition does not affect the satis: factory operation of the apparatus.

As platform 11 continues to descend, guide members 85a-85i move with it, sliding through converging grooves 97 which causes members 85a-8Si to move inwardly toward each other. Such movement, to the position shown in FIG. 5 by dot-dash line 131, causes the coins to be compacted Within the compartments 127 in various de grees depending upon the number of coins in the compartment (FIG. 9). At the same time lugs 123 on strips 103a-103i have moved downwardly, and the lugs of strips 103b, 103d, 103 and 103k are at the point of engagement with legs 101 to positively prevent further downward movement of these strips.

Continued downward movement of platform 11 to the position shown in FIG. 5 by dot-dash line 132 displaces the platform and coins thereon from members 855, 85d, 85f and 85h so that coins 126' are confined within four compartments 133 (FIG. 10), respectively containing fourteen, nine, thirteen, and fourteen coins. Blocks 111 of strips 103b, 103d, 103f and 103h have'been correspondingly displaced from cros member 121 against the force of spring 116. At this point, lugs 123 of strips 103a and 103g engage legs 101 so that further downward movement of these strips is prevented.

Upon continued downward movement of platform 11 to the position shown in FIG. 5 by dot-dash line 134, there are similarly provided two compartments I (FIG.

11) separated by guide member 85c and bounded at the outer ends by members 85a, and 85i, containing twentythree and twenty-seven coins respectively. Finally, when platform 11 has about reached the lowest point of its travel (FIG. there is provided a single compartment 136 (FIG. 12) bounded by guide members 85a and 851.

Thus it is seen that during downward movement of platform 11 the row of coins is divided into several groups by converging guide members 85b-85h which are selectively rendered motionless at predetermined points to successively decrease the number of such groups. It should be noted that outermost guide members 85a, 85i continue to converge throughout the downward portion of the cycle to compact the coin groups therebetween.

At the lowest point of travel of platform 11, outer guide members 85a, 85i have moved closest together to thereby axially urge the coins on said platform into a relatively compact body. Plate 75 preferably terminates short of the lowermost position of platform 11 (FIG. 5) so that compartment 136 is open on the forward side and the coin body may be removed therefrom as a unit by suitable transfer means for further handling and packaging operations. The inclination of platform 11 (FIG. 5) permits the coin body to roll out of compartment 136 under the influence of gravity in the direction of arrow 137 into such transfer means or a wrapper. Preferably the frame 1 on which shuttle 7 reciprocates is inclined downwardly, rearwardly from the vertical so that platform 11 is inclined downwardly, forwardly from the horizontal on the order of 28 degrees.

The cycle of operation, as above described, is continuously repeated at a high rate of speed.

A significant feature of the coin grouping apparatus is the versatility which resides in its ability to handle coins of a wide range of denominations, and therefore different dimensions, in rows containing the appropriate number of coins for a standard package of the particular denomination.

As hereinafter, noted, the apparatus is operable with coins of the penny, nickel, dime and quarter denomination, with fifty pennies, forty nickels, fifty dimes and forty quarters respectively required for a standard coin package. This means that of the fifty-six possible active channels 3, six will be unoccupied in the case of pennies and dimes, and sixteen will be unoccupied in the case of nickels and quarters. The result is that some of the eight groups of channels will contain a full complement of seven coins while others will contain fewer coins, that different numbers of coins will be received in the individual compartments 127 (FIG. 8) and in the individual compartments of the succeeding groups of compartments 133, 135, 136.

In addition to differences in coin dimension among the several denominations of coin and in the total number of coins required for a standard coin package, a variable aflecting the contents of compartments 127, 133, 135, 136 is the variable pattern of distribution of coins in channels 3 when different channels are rendered inactive either arbitrarily or as required because of jamming of a particular channel. It will be appreciated that changes in these factors combine to produce extremes in compartment contents in terms of the difierence between maximum and minimum possible overall axial dimension of the group of coins in a given compartment.

In the present coin grouping apparatus, the critical dimensions are the widths of the several compartments 127, 133, 135, and 136, i.e., the transverse spacing of guide members 85, as dictated by the overall thickness or axial extent of the group of coins contained in a compartment. The rate of convergence of guide members 85 is not critical but should permit convergence to the desired minimum compartment width within a compact assembly. An assembly in which guide members 85 converge one quarter inch during two inches of vertical travel has been found to provide a coin converging assembly which is convenient in size and which functions efliciently.

In general, the minimum permissible spacing between guide members in a compartment is limited to be at least as great as the maximum possible overall thickness or axial extent of the group of coins which will be contained within the compartment. This is obtained by adding together the thicknesses of the greatest possible number of coins in a compartment for each denomination and selecting the maximum.

Also, in general, the maximum spacing of guide members 85 is limited to such spacing as will prevent the coins in a compartment from falling on a side and will retain them in a predetermined upright position when the compartment contains the minimum possible number of coins. Because of the extremes in compartment contents, it is necessary in certain cases to permit the coins to tilt sub stantially. It has been found that the coin converging assembly functions efiiciently without jamming although the coins tilt as much as 65 from the vertical.

In practice, because of the extremes in possible compartment contents a number of assumptions must be made as to the distribution of the coins to reduce the difierences between maximum and minimum number of coins in the compartments. The distribution of coins may be made to accord with the assumption by selectively blocking certain of the channels 3.

Even with the limiting assumptions as to coin distribution, with respect to compartments 133, 135, and 136, it is not possible a derive a single compartment size suitable for all denominations of coin. To preclude the possibility of coins falling on a side in these compartments, the width of the compartments are made different for different denominations of coin. In the case of compartments 133, 135, this is accomplished through adjustment of brackets 98, the compartment width being decreased by lowering brackets 98 to be engaged by lugs 123 when the associated guide members 85 are at a lower, more closely spaced position. In the case of compartments 136, the minimum dimension at the point of coin discharge may be changed by vertical adjustment of plate 74.

The following illustrates the above principles.

As to compartments 127 (FIGS. 8a, 9) when dimes and pennies are being grouped, the minimum possible number of coins in a compartment is one when the remaining compartments each contain a full complement of seven coins. The maximum permissible width of compartment 127 is set so that the minimum number of coins in the compartment will be restrained from tilting more than 65 from the vertical; and with one coin as a minimum, the extreme condition occurs with the coin of least diammeter, the dime. The diameter and thickness of the dime and other denominations of coin may be obtained from united States Mint Standards. The maximum permissible width of compartment 127 =sin 65 (diameter of dime) =sin 65 (.705)=.64 inch Since the maximum number of coins in a compartment 127 is the same for all denominations of coin, the full complement of seven, the extreme condition with respect to minimum permissible width occurs with the coin of greatest thickness, the nickel. The minimum permissible width of compartment 127 =7 (thickness of nickel) :7 (0.78) :55 inch As stated, the permissible Width of a compartment is that width which will accommodate the possible maxirnu number of coins in the compartment and at the same time prevent the possible minimum number of coins from falling past 65 from the vertical. The above-calculated widths for compartment 127 are satisfactory, in that the calculated permissible maximum width is greater than the calculated minimum width.

If they were not, the maximum permissible width would have to be increased until it was as great as the minimum permissible width, and this would be accomplished by assuming a different coin distribution with a greater minimum number of coins per compartment.

Each compartment 133 (FIG. receives coins from two compartments 127. To derive permissible compartment widths which preclude coins from tilting beyond the desired degree in compartments 133, various assumptions are made as to the minimum number of coins per compartment. Additionally, different compartment widths are utilized for dimes and pennies than for quarters and nickels.

Again, the maximum permissible width is limited to such width as will prevent the minimum number of coins in the compartment from tilting beyond 65 from the vertical. With a minimum of more than one coin, it is assumed (FIG. that the coins 129 in the group are arranged so all but one are upright and in face-to-face contact with the remaining coin at an end tilted 65 from the vertical. The minimum number of coins in the case of dimes and pennies is eight, i.e., seven from one compartment 127 and one from a second compartment 127, with the dime having the smaller diameter, which presents the critical condition. To preclude the coins from falling over objectionably, the assumed minimum in the case of quarters and nickels is six with the nickel having the smaller diameter and presenting the critical condition. Therefore, maximum permissible width of compartment 133, for dimes and pennies =7 (thickness of dime) +cos 65 (thickness of dime) +sin 65 (diameter of dime) =7 (.053)+cos 65 (.053)+sin 65 (.705)

=1.03 inches,

and for quarters and nickels =5 (thickness of nickel)+cos 65 (thickness of nickel) sin 65 (diameter of nickel) =5 (.078)+cos 65 (.078)-|-sin 65 (.835)

=1.l8 inches The minimum permissible width of compartment 133 is derived using fourteen coins, i.e., seven from each of two compartments 127, as a maximum for all denominations, with the coin of greater thickness presenting the critical condition. Minimum permissible width of compartment 133, for dimes and pennies =14 (thickness of penny)=14 (.062) =.87 inch and for quarters and nickels =14 (thickness of nickel)=14 (0.78) =1.09 inches Similar calculations are employed for the remaining compartments. For compartment 135, in the case of dimes and pennies, the maximum and minimum number of coins are respectively twenty-eight (fourteen from each of two compartments 133) and twenty-two (fourteen from one compartment 133 and eight from the other). To preclude coins from tilting objectionably in compartment 135, the assumed distribution of quarters and nickels is such that the maximum and minimum are both twenty. Again different Widths are derived for dimes and pennies than for quarters and nickels. In the case of single compartment 136, the maximum and minimum possible'number of coins are the same for a given denomination of coin, being fifty for dimes and pennies and forty for quarters and nickels.

In FIGS. 13-14 is illustrated a coin grouping apparatus incorporating substantially all of the structure of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-12, including barrier arm 6, but differing in the form of the coin converging means. In the modified apparatus (FIGS. 13-14) there are fifty-five coin channels 141 divided into eleven groups of five channels each by intervening inactive tracks 142.

On the cross portion 88 of upstanding frame 86 is mounted for vertical adjustment a channel blocking member 143 by means of bolts 144 in slots 145, so that it may be elevated or lowered onto channels 141. Member 143 includes a plurality of depending fingers 146 which. are

received in the center channel of each group of five (FIG. 14) when member 143 is in the lowered position, to block passage of coins in such central channels when desired, as will be described.

Secured to the front face of plate are blocks 148, similar to blocks 96, which define grooves 149. The upper ends of the two outermost grooves 149 are vertically aligned with the side edges of the group of channels 141' and the upper ends of the intervening grooves are each 151 is a transversely elongated bracket 154 having a forwardly projecting leg 155 with a plurality of slots 156 similar to slots 169 and in alignment with the upper ends of intervening grooves 149.

Upper ends 158 of a plurality of strips 157, comparable to strips 103, are received through slots 169, 156 and are provided with stop lugs 159 adapted to engage the upper surface of legs 160, 155. The engagement of stop lugs 159 on the outermost strips 157 with legs 160 is independent of the engagement of lugs 159 on the intervening strips 157 with leg 155, which engagement occurs simultaneously for all the intervening strips.

From the upper end 158 strips 157 extend downwardly through grooves 149 and then from the lower ends of blocks 148 in parallel relations to their lower ends 161 where the two outermost strips are secured to mounting blocks 162 which in turn are connected to the cross member 94 of frame 92 by means of springs 163. The lower ends 161 of intervening strips 157 extend through a plurality of slots 165 in a mounting block 164 and are secured thereto by a bolt 166 which extends through block 164 and ends 161. At each end of block 164 is a spring 167 which is connected between said block and cross member 94 or frame 92.

Projecting forwardly from the forward edge ofeach strip 157 is a generally rectangular guide member 168, The specific disposition of guide members 168 as seen in FIG. 13 is such that when platform 11 is in the lower most position and all the stop lugs 159 are in engagement with legs [160, 155, the two outermost guide members 168' are supported on platform 11 and the intervening guide members 168 are in transverse alignment spaced above said platform slightly closer to upper ends 158 of the strips. 7

The operation of this form of grouping apparatus is similar to that of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 12, the principal difference being that all but the outermost guide members 168 terminate. their descent at the same point so that the coins are retained within the same number of continuously convergent compartments throughout their descent until they move directly into the single compartment between the outermost guide members. Thus the coins in the row are retained within eleven compartments through most of their descent, and then are held within one compact compartment.

In the case of coins of the penny and dime denomination, of which fifty form a standard package, channel blocking member 143 is inoperative. However, when coins of the quarter and nickel denomination are grouped, of which forty form a package, member 143 is lowered into blocking position, to block eleven of the fifty-five channels.

In constructing this form of coin converging assembly,

an extremely high degree of etficiency is accomplished by utilizing relationships between the thicknesses of coins handled. In each compartment bounded by adjacent guide members 168 may be contained a maximum of five dimes or pennies, or four quarters or nickels. It has been found that the overall thickness of four nickels approximates within 1% the overall thickness of five pennies. A similar relationship has been found to exist between a stack of four quarters and a stack of five dimes. Thus, operation of the apparatus requires only two adjustments of brackets 151, 154 and plate 74 to set the compartment widths, with one position being associated with nickels and pennies, and the other associated with quarters and dimes. In determining the permissible widths of the compartments, the same considerations apply as were set out in connection with the apparatus of FIGS. 1-12.

Broadly, by the present invention, a method for grouping coins is provided in which a number of coins are supported on their edges in an axially extending row. In such row, the coins are divided into groups with spaces between adjacent groups. The coins in each group and the groups are then progressively axially urged together until the groups are combined into a single group which may thereafter be wrapped or otherwise dealt with.

It is to be understood that the claims appended hereto are intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention herein chosen for purposes of disclosure which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. As an example, apparatus may be utilized in which coins and groups of coins in a row may be progressively axially urged together and combined while the row remains motionless in the radial direction.

I claim:

1. A method of grouping a predetermined number of coins in a compact body for packaging, comprising:

(a) supporting said number of coins on their edges in a relatively loosely arranged, axially extending row of a plurality of smaller separate groups of coins with spaces between adjacent groups;

(b) progressively axially urging the coins in each of said groups and said groups together and, at the same time, (c) combining said groups into a single group of said number of coins.

2. A method of grouping an indeterminate number of coins into compact bodies each comprising a predetermined number thereof for packaging, comprising:

(a) supporting said indeterminate number of coins on their edges in a plurality of parallel, adjacent, loosely arranged, axially extending rows of said predetermined number of coins;

(b) successively separating a single row of said plurality of rows comprising said predetermined number of coins from the remaining rows of said plurality;

(c) supporting said number on their edges in a relatively loosely arranged, axially extending row of a plurality of smaller separate groups of coins with spaces between adjacent groups;

(d) progressively axially urging the coins in each of said groups and said groups together and, at the same time,

(e) combining said groups into a single group of said number of coins.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(d) the maximum axial extent of each of said groups is substantially less than the space within which a minimum number of coins in such group could fall on their sides.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(d) at least one of said groups comprises a maximum number of coins and another of said groups comprises a minimum of coins, the maximum axial extent of said one group being substantially less than the space within which the coins in said other are permitted to fall on their sides.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(d) certain of said groups are successively combined into fewer larger groups until said number of coins comprises said single group.

6. Apparatus for grouping a predetermined number of coins in a compact body for packaging, comprising:

(a) means for supporting said number of coins on their edges in a relatively loosely arranged axially extending row;

(b) divider means for dividing said number into a plurality of smaller groups of said coins while so supported;

(c) coin retaining means in engagement with the coins at the ends of said row for retaining said coins at said ends so supported in said row;

(d) means movably mounting said divider means for movement axially of said row and for relative radial movement between said divider mean and the coins of said row;

(e) means movably mounting said retaining means for movement axially of said row;

(f) means operatively connected with said divider means for effecting relative radial separating movement between said divider means and the coins of said row; and

(g) means operatively connected with said divider mean and with said retaining means for moving said divider means and said retaining means convergently axially of said row simultaneously with said relative separating movement, for urging the coins in each of said groups and said groups together until said groups are combined into a single group of said number.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, in which:

(f) said divider means includes a plurality of divider elements spaced regularly from each other and from said retaining means axially along said row for receiving groups of coins therebetween, which groups may differ in number of coins with one group having a maximum number of coins and another group having a minimum number of coins.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, in which:

(g) the spacing between adjacent ones of said elements and between said elements and said retaining means is at least as great as the maximum axial extent of the coins in said one group but less than will permit coins in said other group from falling on a side.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, in which:

(g) said relative separating movement between difi'erent ones of said elements and said coins of said row is effected in succession whereby certain of said groups are successively combined into said single group.

10. Apparatus for grouping an indeterminate number of coins into compact bodies each comprising a predetermined number thereof for packaging, comprising:

(a) means for supporting said indeterminate number of coins on their edges in a plurality of parallel, adjacent, loosely arranged, axially extending rows, each row including said predetermined number of coins;

(b) separate support means for supporting said predetermined number comprising a single row of said plurality;

(c) release means for selectively releasing successive rows of said plurality from said means for supporting said plurality, onto said separate support means;

(d) divider means for dividing said number in said single row into a plurality of smaller groups;

(e) coin retaining means in engagement with the coins at the ends of said single row for retaining said coins in said row;

(f) means movably mounting said divider means for movement axially of said row and for relative radial separating movement between said divider means and the coins of said row;

(g) means movably mounting said retaining means for movement axially of said row;

(h) means operatively connected with said divider means for effecting relative radial separating movement between said divider means and the coins of said row; and

(i) means operatively connected with said divider means and with said retaining means for moving said divider means and said retaining means convergently axially of said row simultaneously with said relative radial separating movement, for urging the coins in each of said groups and said groups together until said groups are combined into a single group of said number.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, including: a

(h) said means for supporting said plurality of rows having an end for delivery of said rows; and

(i) means for selectively preventing passage of coins to said end.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, including:

(h) said separate support means being movably supported for movement along a path of travel toward and away from said release means;

(i) means for so moving said separate support means;

(j) said release means selectively releasing said successive rows in response to said movement of said separate support means toward said release means;

13. The apparatus of claim 12, including:

(k) said path of travel of said separate support means 16 extending radially of said row for supporting said row for radial movement from said release means;

(1) said retaining means being movable with said separate support means to and from said delivery means;

(111) means so moving said retaining means in the direction away from said release means throughout said movement of said row;

(11) said divider means being movable with said separate support means to and from said release means;

(0) means so moving said divider means in the direction away from said delivery means during a fractional part only of said movement of said row whereby said relative radial separating movement is effected.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, in which:

(i) said divider means and said retaining means move along said path to said release means responsive to said movement of said separate support means toward said release means; and,

(i) said release means selectively releases successive rows of said plurality responsive to said movement of said divider means and said retaining means thereto.

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 677 1/1810 Great Britain.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

30 STANLEY H. TOLLBERG, Examiner. 

1. A METHOD OF GROUPING A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF COINS IN A COMPACT BODY FOR PACKAGING, COMPRISING: (A) SUPPORTING SAID NUMBER OF COINS ON THEIR EDGES IN A RELATIVELY LOOSELY ARRANGED, AXIALLY EXTENDING ROW OF A PLURALITY OF SMALLER SEPARATE GROUPS OF COINS WITH SPACES BETWEEN ADJACENT GROUPS; (B) PROGRESSIVELY AXIALLY URGING THE COINS IN EACH OF SAID GROUPS AND SAID GROUPS TOGETHER AND, AT THE SAME TIME, (C) COMBINING SAID GROUPS INTO A SINGLE GROUP OF SAID NUMBER OF COINS. 